Audra had never liked lying to her children, at least not once they were old enough to understand the world around them better. There was little harm in telling them the occasional white lie when they were children to ease their minds after a bad dream, or to put a smile on their face when they presented her with a frankly awful drawing that she would inevitably treasure forever. Lying about how much money she'd spent after being specifically implored not to by her now grown son did not fall under the category of harmless dishonesty. Telling him the truth now, however, wouldn't do anyone any good. He'd be upset at her which she'd find very distressing, he'd work himself up over the financials and probably ruminate on it for days until he sprouted a new gray hair, and then she'd feel guilty until he no longer seemed to be troubled by it.

It didn't have to be that way though, if she avoided admitting what she'd done, just until Grace was wearing it and being thoroughly admired by the gentlemen, then she could tell him and he'd immediately see that she'd made an executive decision and it had been worth it. First she'd have to get through the dishonesty part with as little actual dishonesty as possible.

It was her turn to busy herself with her breakfast for a moment whilst deliberating what exactly to say. "It's coming along splendidly." Comment on the dress and say nothing about the budget, then she wouldn't be lying to his face. "Truly." She felt she ought to say a little more to make sure he didn't feel inclined to prod for more details but she couldn't think of what else to say that wasn't verging on blatant dishonesty.

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